I sewed the tee using the exact pattern width (size 4/5) but added a couple of inches of length to the hemline and about an inch to the sleeves, although I think the sleeves would have been fine as is. To determine if you need to add width or length to your tee, compare the pattern to an existing tee that fits your child well. Dana explains this all in her tutorial as well!

The Sunny Day Shorts were a new-to-me sew and they are GREAT! I sewed the size 4 and added 2.5" to the length. The sizing is a bit vague as it is only based on waist measurements. E's waist measures smaller than the size 4 but I was a little worried that the hips would be too small if I went any smaller. I definitely chose the right size as the fit is perfect! I referenced the finished inseam measurements and compared that to a pair that I liked the length of and used that to determine how much extra I wanted to add to the length. I'm really really happy with how these turned out!!

To customize these I swiped the back pocket pattern piece from another well loved pattern, the Kudzu Cargos, and used it to create fun snappy side pockets!

I added interfacing to the inside of the pocket to reinforce before adding the snaps.

I also customized them a bit more with added topstitching to the side seams, hem and added a faux stitched fly to the front for more fun detail!

Basic tees are just a complete blank slate for customizing and having some fun with them! I made this tee using a thrifted tee (LOVE those stripes!). The color reminded me of E's FAVORITE ice cream eva', Mint Chocolate Chip. Thus the idea of an "ice cream" tee was born. He loves anything frozen and sweet really, so I chose to add a popsicle to the front of the tee with the freezer paper and fabric paint method. I'm totally into pops of orange lately and here was yet another perfect opportunity to add it.

To make the graphic, I googled free printable images and found this shape that I liked. I enlarged it to the size I wanted and added the stick by tracing a popsicle stick.

And thus the perfect tee to wear to our frequented and favorite ice cream shop was born!

I hope this gives you inspiration to use these free patterns and make them your own with just a few tweaks!

And go have some ICE CREAM!!

Over the next week, April & Brooke will also be sharing their looks. This is gonna be fun guys!!!

And that's not all! If you want to sew along we would LOVE to see your looks! Just use the hashtag #allaboutboystheseries so we can see what you've done!!

I love these Heidi! I think details like top stitching the side seam & faux fly pockets really make it stand out. And the snap pockets!! So cool! I know that I'm going to add some little Lego stow-away area when I make these for Jayce, and snaps seem like a perfect choice!

The Popsicle graphic turned out perfect too. It's always such a "fingers crossed" moment when you peel away freezer paper, right? The colors are great. Yet another outfit I would have bought from the store. :)

Great job and great idea overall!! I'm keeping everyone's tips in my back pocket for fall! :)

He looks so cute in his glasses! And I'm in love with the colors on the shirt and mint chip is in my top 5 favorite flavors--I love ice cream. The stitching on the shorts is perfect and I love the pockets and faux fly. Great job!!

WELCOME

Hi! I'm Heidi. Handmade Frenzy is the place where I share my adventures in sewing a handmade wardrobe. I share pattern and fabric reviews, along with fashion inspiration and tips & tricks. I hope you come alongside me in my journey and feel inspired!

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